Saint Julian Guide Malta

St Julian's was initially a small fishing village and today spreads along the picturesque coast of Balluta, Spinola and St George's Bays. It holds the largest concentration of restaurants and hotels, whereas Paceville in the heart of St Julian's is exclusively for night-goers with great clubs, bars and casinos.

A large square at Balluta Bay marks the point where St Julian's imperceptibly merges with Sliema. Two buildings on the square catch the eye: a block of apartments in art nouveau style built at the turn of last century and the neo-gothic Carmelite church with long spindly bell towers. BaIluta Buildings is a florid and weathered monumental apartment block, the legacy of a brief flirtation with art nouveau by some Maltese architects. Its sculpted facade, with repetitive angel motifs, displays elegant flying buttresses.

Hotels that string the coast are to the north of Spinola Bay, dominated by Malta's highest building, the Portomaso tower that looms over a yacht marina set in an artificial inlet Among this string of hotels are some of Malta's best and most expensive. Inland is the PaceviIle area: a criss-cross of streets full of bars, clubs, internet joints and eateries. This is where the majority of the young Maltese congregate in the evening. Paceville is busy every night, particularly during the peak summer months. The variety of night spots ~ encompasses numerous entertainment niches -from nightclubs to sushi bars, wine bars to casinos and cinemas.

Night spots are legally bound to close at 4am but the party goes on in the streets till much later. North ofPaceville is St George's, a small sandy beach that is very popular, particularly with foreign youngsters, at all times of day and night It is dominated by a thick coastal fringe of large upmarket hotels and by Paranga, a stylish bar and restaurant, which may serve as a relaxed starting point to a night of partying.

Bustling Spinola Bay takes its name from a nearby baroque palace built by Giovanni Battista Spinola, a bailiff of the Order of St John. A number of old boathouses that serve the small fishing community fringe one side of the bay. Some shore buildings and boathouses have been converted to romantic restaurants, most serving very good food. The beauty of the bay is particularly striking in the evening when restaurant and street lights are reflected in the calm water sheltering the traditional wooden boats anchored in the bay.

The small bay still shelters numerous coloured Maltese boats that are berthed here all year long. St Julians derives it's name from the Patron Saint of hunters.St Julians is a village for all ages and walks of life. The young at heart will enjoy nearby Paceville - this locality offers much to tourists looking for nightlife entertainment, including discos, bars , Casino , restaurants and other entertainment.

Sliema and St Julians resort are Malta's main coastal resort towns and a heartland for shopping, entertainment and café life. They are also key commercial and residential areas with some of Malta's newest hotels and apartments. Sliema, once a fishing town, began to develop in the early 20th century as small resort for wealthier Valletta residents. Their elegant villas and town houses line the quieter back streets.

The sea front from Gzira to St Julian's, which offers first stunning views across to Valletta and then open horizons, is a popular meeting place and ideal for walkers and joggers. St Julian's and Paceville are Malta's main nightlife areas. Picturesque St Julian's Bay, still used by fishermen, is lined with bougainvillea-clad cafés and restaurants. Paceville offers a vibrant nightlife to suit all tastes. Choose from the latest in club DJ music to quieter piano bars, an elegant casino and superb restaurants. Inland from these coastal resorts lie some of Malta's most urban yet sought-after residential areas.

At a glance

WHY GO
For a great night of wining, dining, bar hopping and clubbing -all within a radius of one kilometre.
BLINK AND YOU'LL MISS
The charm St Julian's offers -walk along Spinola Bay towards the restaurants until you reach the pier and enjoy the beautiful architecture of some seaside dwellings, the boathouses, the colourful fishing boats and fishermen going about their business.
DON'T GO
If you want to relax and get away from any form of hustle and bustle.
WHAT CAN I GET?
Branded luxury goods from the small upmarket shopping area and lobbies of various hotels.